MUSEO BELBER — Attraction in Oaxaca

Hey, It's free! So really should have no complaints.... This is a private collection...but with no information or explanations in any language. The jewelry and other stuff took up large spaces, but the traditional clothing was all crammed into one small room. The mannequins were so close together and 3 deep, making it impossible to enjoy the embroidery and weaving involved. I love displays of traditional clothing, but this one was displayed so thoughtlessly-- I wondered about this Belber Jimenez and his "collection". The small antique shop that you go through to enter (even though there is a big entry diectly to the museum rooms Lol), had some lovely things and some junk. Display was lacking for some stuff. I saw a pair of antique earrings I really liked, but the older women 'working' there didn't know the price. She had the security guard take a picture of them and send an inquiry on his phone. After quite awhile, I gave her my (Mexican) phone number and told her I'd be in Oaxaca for 3 more days. Never heard back...in the meantime, found earrings at...

This museum has so much potential that is unrealized. The jewelry room with its handmade silver necklaces and bracelets is truly extraordinary, but there’s no indication of who made any of the items, why they were made or when they were made or even the materials used to construct them. Nothing in the museum is labeled in any way. Some of the display items have fallen and not been in reinstalled. No photographs are allowed so you can’t look anything up to learn more about the objects you’re seeing. We learned later that there was a room that may have had English guides but the guard at the museum close that room and did not...

This museum may seem "slow" but trust me, the quiet beauty is what makes it special from all the other tourist attractions in Oaxaca. Inside you'll find a few rooms tucked away in a stunning traditional building. I don't believe they had tours, but it as fine to just look around in awe of the craftwork. The building itself is also a marvel. We took lots of pictures of the architecture and the many plants growing around the courtyard. If you're looking to beat the crowds and be immersed in rich history, I highly...